Fuji Media group to set up new game company in April

Fuji Media Holdings Inc. and Fuji Television Network Inc. said they will establish a new company on April 1 by spinning off the broadcaster’s game business unit. The move is a bid to take the upper hand in the game market, which is expected to expand further.

It is rare for a TV broadcaster to establish a game company, but the Fuji Media group is hoping for success using strategies such as linking games and animated TV programs.

Fuji Television Network will first set up a wholly-owned subsidiary, Fuji Games Inc., and transfer all equity to the holding company in May. Fuji Games will promote the planning, management and other operations of games for smartphones and personal computers, the companies said Tuesday.

By establishing the new company, the group aims to recruit creators and collaborate with third parties to deal with intensifying competition.

Fuji Television Network positions the game business as one of its pillars besides broadcasting. Its smartphone game, “Phantom of the Kill,” has become a big hit.